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Health Insurance For Mariners Made Easy
The following article by Gene McKeever was published in the June 2010 issue of WorkBoat magazine.
We’re all probably sick of hearing about health insurance. But what if I told you about a major medical health insurance program for vessel crews that is very affordable, portable, and has a $5 million lifetime limit? You think it sounds crazy? Well, it has been available for about a year now.
This is not an infomercial. I am an insurance person who works with vessels, shipyards, boatyards, tug-and-barge operations as well as tall ships and historic ships. I don’t sell health insurance of any kind. I was made aware of this very sound health insurance product and I’m merely passing along useful information.
When crews are under contract with a vessel and are in service of the ship, they have maintenance and cure. This takes care of injury and illness that occur while on such duty.
But what does a crewmember have when he or she is not on duty? What health insurance does their family have?
Crew health insurance may be the answer. It’s available to individual crewmembers as well as groups such as a vessel crew or fleet crew. It can be paid for by the individual, set up as a payroll deduction, or paid for by the vessel owner.
Vessel owners who pay for the crew’s health insurance are finding that they’re getting more loyal mariners who return trip after trip because they receive a health insurance benefit paid for by the vessel owner.
Here’s the hard-to-believe part. The monthly premiums I’ve seen have run from between $99 and $260 or so a month per crewmember. I’m told that the premiums are low because they’re based on international medical care rates and because there is no need to duplicate health insurance coverage while “in service of the vessel” because the crew is covered under the vessel’s maintenance, cure and wages.
Keep in mind this health insurance is for mariners who work in international waters (meaning three miles or more offshore). This includes most mariners in U.S. coastal waters including the Great Lakes.
Contact Gene McKeever: 207-230-5822.
Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
The federal government has extended the eligibility for the Cobra subsidy for terminated employees through the end of May.
In addition, Maine has added a newly eligible category of individual under it’s “Mini-Cobra” provisions. Those eligible for the subsidy will now include permanently laid-off individuals, where in the past there had to be an intent of the employer to re-hire the individual in the near future.
Please find more details of the federal subsidy in the attached article. As more information and forms become available, we will provide you with information here.
Latest Market Commentary
We are in the midst of an improving economic environment, but it has not been a strong recovery thus far.
New Health Care Tax Credit
The IRS has broken down the process to determine if your business will qualify for the new health care tax credit into three simple steps. Try it and see if you are eligible!
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform Bill) provides small employers with some tax credits for offering health insurance to their employees. This article will provide you with significant guidance on how it works
Maine Worker’s Compensation revised Construction Subcontractor Predetermination Application
Please click below for the current approved form
Predetermination Application
DOL issues first employer guidance on Health Care Reform
Department of Labor issues First Employer Guidance on Health Care Reform-Please see attached documents
DOL Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act for Employers
DOL Patient Protection Act timeline
Weight Watchers New Session beginning October 20th
CAMDEN – For anyone interested in joining Weight Watchers, we will begin a new 12 week session on October 20th at the Allen Insurance Financial office at 34 Elm Street, Camden. The cost is $145 and all are welcome. Each weekly meeting will be held on Tuesdays at 5:15pm.
If you would like additional information or would like to join, please email Karen Reed at email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 236-4311.